Published 04-18-06
Submitted by Threemile Canyon Farms
NIOSH responded to complaints regarding potential exposure of employees to ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and dust. NIOSH interviewed 56 employees (randomly selected), reviewed the farm's worker compensation report for 2005 and illness logs from the past 5 years, and conducted extensive field tests at various locations on the farm and dairy on August 9-11, 2005. These conclusions were reached (a summary of the NIOSH Report is attached).
Hydrogen Sulfide levels are approximate one-half of the ceiling limit for NIOSH and one-quarter of the ceiling limit for OSHA.
Employee symptoms of "watery eyes" and "itching throat" were determined to be dust related.
(NOTE: Threemile Canyon Farms is located 150 miles east of Portland, near Boardman, OR. The dairy farm operations are located on 93,000 acres. The farm and dairy employ 300 year round employees and 400 additional seasonal employees. The dairy consists of an 8,500-cow Jersey herd,7,500-cow Holstein herd and 25,000 replacement heifers and dry cows. Please see our website for additional information: www.threemilecanyonfarms.com.)
Highlights of the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation
On June 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request by employees of Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, Oregon regarding concerns about exposure to ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and dust. NIOSH investigators conducted an investigation in August 2005.
What NIOSH Did
What NIOSH Found
What Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy Managers Can Do
What the Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy Employees Can Do
Threemile Canyon Farms blends one of the region's largest dairy operations with extensive production of potatoes and other crops. Recognized as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices, Threemile Canyon Farms is an Oregon-based joint venture owned by R.D. Offutt Company-Northwest and Bos family Oregon Farms. For additional information, visit our website: www.threemilecanyonfarms.com
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